Story of Oscar: Why It Still Matters!

The term 'Oscar' invariably brings to mind feelings of happiness, pride, and achievement. Yes, the Oscar is one of the most prestigious awards in the cinematic world, representing the pinnacle of film achievement. But how much do you really know about this golden statuette? Let's get into all the details you need to know about this emblem of excellence.

Oscar’s beginning

The story of the Oscars begins with a visionary idea from Louis B. Mayer, the head of MGM Studios, in the year 1927. Envisioning an award that would unite the burgeoning film industry with a symbol of the highest achievement, Mayer proposed the creation of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. This organization, founded to encourage excellence in film, soon led to the birth of the Academy Awards.

Oscar statuette design and sculpting

The iconic Oscar statue was designed in 1928 by Cedric Gibbons, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's (MGM) chief art director, and sculpted by Los Angeles artist George Stanley. The statue represents a knight holding a crusader's sword, standing atop a reel of film. The film reel features five spokes, symbolizing the original branches of the Academy: Actors, Writers, Directors, Producers, and Technicians. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the statue stands 13.5 inches tall and weighs 8.5 pounds.

Oscar Statuette was made of?

The Oscar statuette has undergone various material changes over its history. Initially, it was made of solid bronze and plated with 24-karat gold. However, due to metal shortages during World War II, Oscars were made of painted plaster for three years. After the war, the Academy replaced these plaster figures with gold-plated metal ones. Since 1945, the statuettes have been made of a metal alloy called britannium, which is then plated in copper, nickel silver, and finally, 24-karat gold, ensuring that each Oscar shines with the prestige and glory befitting cinema's highest honor.

Who won the most Oscars?

Walt Disney holds the record for the most Oscar wins, securing 22 Oscars alongside 4 special or honorary Academy Awards total of 26. His contributions to the film industry, particularly in animation, are unparalleled, and this achievement underscores his legacy in cinematic history. He is also the most nominated total of 59 times.

Oscar 2024

The 96th Academy Awards, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, on March 10, 2024, was a star-studded event that delivered a blend of humor, emotional acceptance speeches, and a celebration of the year’s cinematic achievements. The ceremony was highlighted by a range of memorable moments, from touching speeches to spectacular performances.

Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer" was among the night's biggest winners, capturing seven Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor for Cillian Murphy, and Best Supporting Actor. The film, a sweeping epic about J. Robert Oppenheimer and the creation of the atomic bomb, dominated the ceremony, reflecting its impact on both the industry and audiences globally.

One of the most touching moments came from Robert Downey Jr., who won his first-ever Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Oppenheimer." He humorously thanked his difficult childhood and the Academy, dedicating his award to his wife, Susan Downey, for her unwavering support.

Emma Stone's win for Best Actress for her role in "Poor Things" was another highlight, where she delivered a passionate and tearful speech, expressing gratitude towards her fellow nominees and the creative team behind the film.

These moments, among many others, made the 2024 Oscars a memorable celebration of cinema's power to entertain, inspire, and provoke thought, solidifying its place as Hollywood's biggest night.

2024 Oscar Winners

Who decides the Oscar winners?

Oscar winners are determined by the voting members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, comprising over 9,000 film industry professionals. Members vote within their categories for nominations, with all members eligible to vote for Best Picture. After nominations, the entire Academy votes in almost all categories for the winners. The Best Picture category employs a ranked-choice voting system, where if no film secures more than 50% of the first-place votes initially, the least popular films are eliminated, and votes are redistributed based on next preferences until a majority is achieved. This method aims to reflect the collective opinion of the film industry's leading professionals, recognizing the year's best cinematic achievements.

Conclusion

It has been 96 years and 3000 + Oscars awarded still the prestige of this accolade in the cinematic universe remains undiminished. Films from diverse countries compete for this accolade, but only the finest emerge victorious. Winning an Oscar is not just about the accolade; it symbolizes recognition and prestige, maintaining its position as the apex of cinematic honors. For many, it remains a dream, but for a fortunate few, that dream becomes reality. Regardless, each year sees the dreams of many realized.